Page 8 of Devil's Marker

“We’ll chat about that. You want coffee?”

“No. I’m good.”

“Alright. Have a seat there.” Brant pointed to the chair behind the desk that was to be Win’s. As Win sat, Brant pulled a chair over next to the desk. “We don’t want to be overly cautious, but you can understand that we need to take that slow.”

Face turned serious, Win nodded.

“So we’re gonna start out with a little piece of this and that. Get to know you. Trust you. Understand my drift?” Win nodded again. “How’s your memory? I don’t like writing passwords down.”

“It’s decent enough.”

Brant thought he caught a hint of indulgence in Win’s smile. The kid could be a genius for all he knew. Time would tell.

They spent the next three hours discussing club investment history and market trends while Win tried to feel Brant out for his comfort-with-risk quotient.

“Our principal investment is in people. Brash has an uncanny ability to pick local entrepreneurs. People who’ll gladly work eighty hours a week so long as they’re workin’ for themselves and not somebody else. We keep the operatin’ capital liquid. The surplus, which is on the high side right now, goes to work for us in the market.”

“What’s the high side?”

It was Brant’s turn to smile indulgently. “Come on. I’m gonna take you out for the best Mexican food in the world. We’re gonna eat and talk about what to do with the money. When we get back, I’m gonna put you to work makin’ us richer and leave you alone to figure that out.”

“Okay.”

“By the way, I haven’t told anybody that I made a deal with you to take a cut of profits. When it’s payout time, I’ll come clean. There’s no point in rufflin’ biker feathers over somethin’ that’s a possibility and not a given.”

“Far as I’m concerned it’s between you and me. And I take your word for it.”

“Spoken like a Texan. Let’s get some nachos and not that crap that has fish in it like in California.”

Win laughed.

By the end of lunch Win had a grasp on an investment strategy starting point and Brant knew a lot more about the new recruit on a personal basis.

When they stepped back into Rides and Wrecks, Brant said, “Let’s see if you can make the San Jacinto Trust dance. Put my number in your phone.” Win brought up a contact screen and handed his phone to Brant. After punching in his number, Brant said, “You have questions or need anything, try my office.” He pointed in the direction of the corner office in the back of the building. “I’m here most week days. If not, call me.”

“I will.”

“Got to take care of our golden goose.” Win smiled. “They serve dinner at the club between seven and eight thirty. Bar stays open until ten on week nights. Make yourself at home over there.”

“Thanks.”

“Oh. There’s a barbeque Saturday night. Would give you a chance to learn which women are off limits.” Win laughed. “It’s not mandatory, but it’s a good idea. If you’re looking for feminine attention, you might find some locals looking for adventure.”

“And the bar stays open later, I’ll bet.”

“Yeah, it does. One of the reasons why I don’t live there anymore.”

“How many have their own places?”

“Most. Don’t think we’ve ever had more than ten livin’ in at the same time.”

Win nodded thoughtfully and walked away to get to work on the club’s investments.

CHAPTERThree

Saturday

Garland took Win in tow and introduced him to wives. Win was extremely polite.

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